Identity verification is no longer optional for UK company directors and people with significant control. As part of Companies House reform, individuals who verify their identity now receive a personal code that must be used for filings and confirmations.
For UK directors, overseas founders and corporate service providers, understanding how the Companies House personal code works is essential for compliance in 2026 and beyond.
This guide explains what the personal code is, when it must be used, how to manage it correctly and what to do if something goes wrong.
What is a Companies House personal code?
A Companies House personal code is an eleven character code issued to an individual once they complete identity verification.
It is personal to the individual. It does not belong to a company and does not change depending on how many companies you are involved in.
If you are a director of multiple UK companies, you verify once and use the same personal code for all appointments.
The code confirms that your identity has been verified under the new Companies House framework.
Who must have a personal code in 2026
Who needs a Companies House personal code?
You must verify your identity and obtain a personal code if you are:
- A director or equivalent officer
- Being appointed as a director
- A person with significant control
- Filing on behalf of a company when presenter verification becomes mandatory
From 18 November 2025, directors must provide their personal code in the next confirmation statement. New directors must provide it at appointment or incorporation.
PSCs have a fourteen day window to provide their personal code once verification becomes required.
Failure to provide a valid personal code may prevent filings from being accepted.
Unsure whether your identity verification is correctly completed or linked to your company? 1Office UK is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider and can verify your identity before your next confirmation statement.
How identity verification works in the UK
How to verify your identity for Companies House
Identity verification can be completed in two ways.
You may verify directly using GOV.UK One Login. Once verified, you can sign in to Companies House, go to Manage account and view your personal code.
Alternatively, identity verification can be completed through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
1Office UK is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. This means we are officially authorised to verify identities and submit filings on behalf of companies.
If you verify through an ACSP such as 1Office UK, your personal code is issued to the email address provided during the process.
Why directors should save their personal code
How to save your Companies House personal code
If identity verification was completed through an ACSP, it is strongly recommended that you save your personal code to your own Companies House account.
To do this you:
• Sign in or create a Companies House account
• Confirm that you have verified your identity
• Enter your personal code
• Confirm your date of birth
Saving your code ensures you always have direct access to it, even if you change advisers in the future.
When you must use your personal code in the UK
Directors must provide their personal code in their company’s next confirmation statement filing from 18 November 2025.
If you are appointed as a director after that date, you must provide your personal code during the appointment process.
PSCs must provide their code within the applicable fourteen day period depending on their registration status.
In future phases of reform, individuals filing documents at Companies House may also need to confirm identity using their personal code unless filing through an authorised provider such as an ACSP.
PSC personal codes: the 14-day rule
PSCs have a limited compliance window.
If you are a PSC, you have 14 days to provide your personal code once identity verification becomes required for your position.
The timing of this 14-day period depends on:
whether you were registered before 18 November 2025
whether you are also a director
Missing this window may create compliance issues with Companies House.
What happens if your personal details do not match Companies House records?
One of the most common issues arises when personal details do not match Companies House records.
This can happen if:
• Your date of birth is incorrect in Companies House records
• Your personal code is entered incorrectly
• An agent submitted incorrect details during verification
If your date of birth is incorrect, it must be updated before verification can be linked. This can be checked using WebFiling.
If an ACSP completed verification with incorrect information, they must contact Companies House to correct the details.
Until the records match, your verified identity cannot be connected properly.
What if your Companies House personal code is compromised?
If you believe your personal code has been shared or exposed, you must contact Companies House immediately.
They can cancel the existing code and issue a replacement.
Your personal code should be treated as a security credential. It confirms your identity for official filings and must be stored safely.
Why identity verification is now central to UK compliance
Companies House reform is designed to reduce fraud and increase transparency. Identity verification and personal codes create a direct link between individuals and filings.
For directors, especially international founders managing UK companies remotely, this means:
• Greater personal accountability
• Increased scrutiny of inaccurate filings
• Clear traceability of responsibility
Identity verification is no longer a technical formality. It is now a core compliance requirement.
Identity verification errors can delay appointments and filings.
Work with 1Office UK as your Authorised Corporate Service Provider and ensure your Companies House personal code and company records are handled correctly from day one.
How 1Office UK supports directors as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, 1Office UK can:
• Verify identities in accordance with Companies House requirements
• Ensure personal codes are correctly issued and recorded
• Submit confirmation statements and appointments using compliant processes
• Coordinate identity verification with statutory accounts and annual filings
For overseas directors and business owners, working with an ACSP removes uncertainty around whether identity verification has been completed correctly and whether filings will be accepted.
Final thoughts on identity verification in the UK
The Companies House personal code is now part of the standard governance framework for UK companies.
Directors and PSCs must understand how it works, when it must be used and how to protect it.
Early preparation prevents delays in confirmation statements, appointments and future filings. In 2026, identity verification is not something to deal with at the last minute. It is part of responsible company management.
